Move in day should be one of the most exciting days of your life, but we also know that it can cause tremendous anxiety.
In an effort to give you an idea of what to expect before you arrive, we have prepared the following information.
View suggested packing list (PDF)
When to Arrive
New Students!
Move in for new students will happen on Thursday August 27th from 9 am - 4 pm All students should plan to arrive by 3pm so that you can move in and be prepared to fully participate in your new student welcome activities, which will start that day at 3pm. More details will be posted here as we get closer to move in! When you arrive to campus, enter from Route 56 (Pierrepont Ave) and turn onto Canton Drive, then follow the signs to check in location. The Fall 2026 Move in Map (PDF) shows that path that you will take. Only the vehicle containing the student should go through this line. Any secondary vehicles should go directly to the building and wait for the student to arrive after checking in. Students should have Photo ID easily accessible in the vehicle as it will be needed to check-in.
New Student Welcome Letter (PDF)
Returning Students!
Move in for returning students is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026 & Sunday, August 30, 2026. Please make sure to remember to pack your Potsdam Student ID card. Check-in for returning students will start each morning at 10 a.m. in the following locations:
Bowman East Residents: Bowman East Main Lobby
Bowman West Residents: Bowman West Main Lobby
Draime Residents: Bowman East Main Lobby
Lehman Residents: Lehman Southwest Lounge (Outside of the RA Office)
Townhouse Residents: Lehman Southwest Lounge (Outside of the RA Office)
Returning Student Welcome Letter (PDF)
Things you might need off campus
If you forgot something, or wanted to wait until you arrived to purchase something for your room, Walmart is only a short 5-minute car ride away. Just head off campus on Pierrepont Ave and follow Route 11 west for about 3 miles.
As far as local food options, should you choose to stick around for dinner or need to grab lunch, there are several options around Potsdam. View list of Potsdam food options.